Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine. Wait several minutes after application of this medicine before applying them.
Safety of combining skin care products
However, a 2019 study notes that using tretinoin with a moisturizer can help reduce its potential irritation and drying effects. However, while moisturizers may provide relief, combining other skin products with tretinoin could lead to further skin irritation or damage.
Yes, you can apply moisturizer over skin lightening cream. In fact, it is often recommended to use a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated, especially if the lightening cream contains ingredients that may be drying, such as hydroquinone or retinoids. Here are some tips to consider:
At least 5 minutes for your skin to properly absorb the products.
Toner can be the next item to ideally go for after cleansing. You can spray it on damp skin or even completely dry skin. After a few pumps, let it completely dry before going for the next step. The ideal wait time could be 4-5 minutes.
Once you've massaged the Tretinoin onto your skin, you can apply your serums and/or moisturiser if you use these at night. There isn't a golden rule about how long to wait before applying these as different formulations of Tretinoin take different times to absorb. If in doubt, wait for 15-20 minutes.
Do not apply to sunburned areas or if you have a skin wound in the area of application. Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine.
Moisturizing your skin is essential to keep its natural barrier against harsh external factors, such as UV rays, dirt, and pollution. But before you apply moisturizer, first, you should apply your favorite whitening cream.
Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.
Avoid using harsh cleansers, exfoliants, or other products that can cause irritation or sensitivity while using hydroquinone. Follow a skincare routine: Incorporate hydroquinone into a basic skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturising.
Should I apply hydroquinone or tretinoin first? According to Dr. Mohta, if you are using two separate medications, you should apply hydroquinone in the evening after applying tretinoin.
According to research, ochranonsis is a condition that might occur following long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone. Ochranosis may cause darkening of the skin, instead of fading a particular spot. Long-term use of Hydroquinone creams may also lead to exogenous ochronotic lesions.
Combination Tip: Combining hydroquinone with Vitamin C may improve overall efficacy, but due to potential sensitivities, this combination should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Sunscreen: How It Works: Sunscreen is essential for preventing further hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure.
To maintain the desired affect, hydroquinone should be used concurrently with a strong sunscreen. Many preparations are available as a combination product. Lightening of the skin should be noticed within 4 weeks of initiation, if no change is seen in 3 months, contact your dermatologist for further recommendations.
After gradually stopping hydroquinone, you might be transitioned to alpha arbutin and alongside retinol or prescription retinoid. This will stabilise the melanin producing cells and reduce the chances of rebound hyperpigmentation. Of course, whilst on hydroquinone, it is absolutely vital to use strict sun protection.
You can apply hydroquinone in the morning and evening. Let it sink into the skin before applying other products, such as moisturizer, and wash your hands after using hydroquinone, so it does not bleach your fingers.
The second case is bleaching cream (like hydroquinone) used for hyperpigmentation. “It's best to apply the moisturizer first and then the bleaching agent to individual spots, as to not spread to unwanted areas on the skin,” Dr. Spizuoco explains.
Rarely ochronosis - ochronosis is a blue-black or gray-blue discoloration; it is rare and more commonly seen in patients that use a high concentration of hydroquinone for a long period on large areas of the body.
Solutions of hydroquinone are stabilized against deterioration in color and odor with age by the addition to the solution of small amounts of citric acid. Up to about 1 percent citric acid by weight of the solution may be used, although it is preferred that this amount be between 0.005 percent and 0.05 percent.
Option one: The sandwich technique
After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.
1. The best night cream to use with tretinoin cream. The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Balm. This multi-purpose repairing cream was specifically created to soothe irritated dry skin.